The Bishop’s Stortford High School Science Department A Guide To Key Stage 4 Science Welcome to the Science Department Head of Science & Technology Faculty – Mrs. W. Butler Head of Science & Head of Biology ‐ Mrs. C. Wilson Head of Chemistry – Miss L. Matcham Head of Physics – Mr. D. Hows The Biology Department
The Chemistry Department
Miss. L. Matcham
Mrs. A. Gilmour
Mr. D. Neesam
Dr. V. Rae
Mrs. C. Wilson Mrs. W. Butler Mrs. A. Bannister Mrs. S. Clark Mr. M. Smith The Physics Deprtment
Mr. D. Hows
Mr. R. Wheatley
Mr. I. Murphy
Mr. L. Berry
Key Stage 4 Courses Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Principles of Applied Science Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Application of Science AQA Core Science (A) AQA Additional Science AQA Separate Sciences including:‐ AQA GCSE Biology AQA GCSE Chemistry AQA GCSE Physics CIE Separate Sciences including:‐ CIE IGCSE Biology CIE IGCSE Chemistry CIE IGCSE Physics Edexcel Level 2 BTEC www.edexcel.
org.uk/btec Principles of Applied Science & Application of Science The BTEC Firsts in Applied Science provide a broad, solid foundation for progression to Level 3 and employment in the science sector. They have a different structure to the other qualifications in the suite to reflect the unique nature of science learning ‐ in particular, the fact that content must span three disciplines (physics, chemistry and biology) rather than just one. BTEC First Awards in Applied Science are accredited by Ofqual. This unique structure for Applied Science mirrors the structure for GCSE. This course ensures the breadth of science learning maximises progression opportunities for students into employment or further learning both within and outside the field of science. Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Principles of Applied Science – Years 9 & 10 The Principles of Applied Science Award (120 Guided Learning Hours) delivers the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study by covering the key scientific principles vital for both scientists and citizens of the future. It develops and exemplifies these principles in applied and vocational contexts, leading to an understanding of how the principles are applied in practice. The achievement of the BTEC First Certificate has the equivalence of 1 GCSE graded A*‐C. Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Applications of Science – Year 11 The Application of Science Award (120 GLH) develops students' understanding of key applications of science, and builds the skills required both for the scientific workplace and for further study. The achievement of the BTEC First Diploma has the equivalence of 1 GCSE graded A*‐C. Assessment structure BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Firsts in Applied Science contain two forms of assessment: 
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Internal Teacher‐led Assessment External Assessment: Supporting teacher‐led assessment Award Type of Internal Assessment Type of External Assessment Unit 1: Principles of Science (25%) Unit 2: Chemistry and our Earth (25%) Paper‐based test in March of Year 10. (1 hour – 54 marks) Unit 3: Energy and our Universe (25%) Principles of Unit 1 assesses knowledge and application of Science principles of science vital to learning at Level Unit 4: Biology and our Environment (25%) 120 GLH 2. This test contains a variety of question types including objective questions, 30 GLH per unit structured questions and calculations. Unit 8: Scientific Skills (25%) Unit 5: Application of Chemical Substances Paper‐based test in March of Year 11. (25%) (1 hour – 54 marks) Application Unit 6: Application of Physical Science (25%) of Science Unit 8 assesses candidates’ skills in Planning, 120 GLH Processing and Forming Conclusions ‐ skills Unit 7: Health Applications of Life Science most vital to effective scientific (25%) investigations. 30 GLH per unit All units have the same grades as follows: Unclassified Unclassified 0 Level 1 Level 2 – Pass, Merit, Distinction Points per grade per 10 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) Level 1 Level 2 Pass Level 2 Merit 2 4 6 Level 3 Distinction 8 Calculating the qualification grade for each Award (120 GLH) Grade Minimum points required Unclassified 0 Level 1 24 Level 2 Pass 48 Level 2 Merit 66 Level 2 Distinction 84 Level 2 Distinction* 90 GCSE Equivalent Grades U Below GCSE grade C B A A* The qualification is compensatory, meaning strong performance in one or more units can compensate for weaker performance in other units.
AQA GCSE Core Science A Course code: 4405
External Examinations: Summer of Year 10 GCSE science encourages learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. They provide insight into and experience of how science works, stimulating learners’ curiosity and encouraging them to engage with science in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study and about career choices. GCSE Science A gives students a good basic knowledge of Science by studying a single unit from each of the core sciences. There are three separate exams are taken in Biology, Chemistry and Physics together with a controlled assessment – Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA). The course encourages students to understand theoretical concepts alongside developing practical Science skills. Subject specialists teach the appropriate units focusing on their area of expertise. Assessment Structure
For GCSE Core Science A, students are awarded grades ranging from A* to G. Students expected to achieve grades D, E, F or G, study the Foundation Tier Curriculum only and are eligible for grades C to G. Students expected to achieve grade C or higher should study the Higher Tier Curriculum, which comprises the Core and Supplement Curriculums; these students are eligible for all grades from A* to G. All candidates must enter for four papers. Tiers of Entry will be decided by the subject teacher and is based on the outcome of regular assessment tasks and mock examinations, alongside the teacher’s professional judgement. These will be made at the beginning of February of the examination year. The Science Department will pay for these entries only. Unit 1: Biology 1 Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a science context Unit 2: Chemistry 1 Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a science context Unit 3: Physics 1 Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a science context Unit 4: Controlled Assessment Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) – two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing 50 marks – 25% Controlled Assessment:  AQA set the ISA & moderate the marks given  Students sit the ISA in class time  Teachers mark the tests using marking guidance from AQA When combined with GCSE Additional Science, it can form the Science component of the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) if students achieve A* to C grades in both GCSEs. AQA GCSE Additional Science Course code: 4408
External Examinations: Summer of Year 11 GCSE Additional Science offers students a broad, coherent course of study that adds to their knowledge and understanding of the living, material and physical worlds. GCSE Additional Science follows on from GCSE Science A. This course, when combined with GCSE Science A, provides a firm foundation for progression to AS and A‐level Science. GCSE Additional Science gives students a good basic knowledge of Science by studying a single unit from each of the core sciences. The three core Sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately and there are three separate exams are taken in each, together with a controlled assessment – Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA). The course encourages students to understand theoretical concepts alongside developing practical Science skills. Subject specialists teach the appropriate units focusing on their area of expertise. Assessment Structure
For GCSE Additional Science, students are awarded grades ranging from A* to G. Students expected to achieve grades D, E, F or G, study the Foundation Tier Curriculum only and are eligible for grades C to G. Students expected to achieve grade C or higher should study the Higher Tier Curriculum, which comprises the Core and Supplement Curriculums; these students are eligible for all grades from A* to G. All candidates must enter for four papers. Tiers of Entry will be decided by the subject teacher and is based on the outcome of regular assessment tasks and mock examinations, alongside the teacher’s professional judgement. These will be made at the beginning of February of the examination year. The Science Department will pay for these entries only. Unit 1: Biology 2 Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a science context Unit 2: Chemistry 2 Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a science context Unit 3: Physics 2 Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a science context Unit 4: Controlled Assessment Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) – two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing 50 marks – 25% Controlled Assessment:  AQA set the ISA & moderate the marks given  Students sit the ISA in class time  Teachers mark the tests using marking guidance from AQA When combined with GCSE Additional Science, it can form the Science component of the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) if students achieve A* to C grades in both GCSEs. AQA Separate Sciences External Examinations: Summer of Year 11 Science is about investigating how the natural world works. Separate Sciences are designed to engage students' interests at every level by providing relevant and inspiring academic content and practical opportunities to undertake scientific enquiry and learn about the scientific process. GCSE Biology – Course Code 4401 GCSE Biology gives students the chance to gain a good understanding of human biology, organisms, evolution and the environment. It is based on a series of topics related to the living world and relevant to students. It is designed to help them understand how Science can be used to explain the world in which they live and the impact humans have. The GCSE course integrates the principles of 'How Science Works' throughout the units and in the controlled assessment. The course helps put Biology in the context of students' everyday lives with topics ranging from 'Keeping healthy' to 'Humans and their environment'. GCSE Chemistry – Course Code 4402 GCSE Chemistry gives students the chance to gain a good understanding of the nature of substances and how they react together, how Chemistry is used in business and industry and how our use of raw materials in fuels and manufacturing can affect the global and local environment. It is designed to help students understand how to formulate a scientific approach to understanding and explaining the world and solving problems. This means that the 'How Science Works' approach is integrated throughout the specification. GCSE Physics – Course Code 4403 GCSE Physics gives students the chance to gain a good understanding of the use and transfer of energy, waves, radiation and space and the application of Physics. It is designed to give students the tools and concepts they need to be able to construct a scientific approach to solving problems and asking and answering questions about the fundamental laws that govern natural phenomena. Students will study concepts which can relate to their everyday life such as the efficiency of electrical appliances and braking distances as well as larger concepts like nuclear fission and fusion and evidence of the Big Bang. This is done by integrating the 'How Science Works' approach throughout the specification. It is suitable for students of all abilities, whether they intend further study in Science or not. AQA Separate Sciences Assessment Structure
For GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics, students are awarded grades ranging from A* to G. Students expected to achieve grades D, E, F or G, study the Foundation Tier Curriculum only and are eligible for grades C to G. Students expected to achieve grade C or higher should study the Higher Tier Curriculum, which comprises the Core and Supplement Curriculums; these students are eligible for all grades from A* to G. All candidates must enter for four papers for each of the disciplines. Tiers of Entry will be decided by the subject teacher and is based on the outcome of regular assessment tasks and mock examinations, alongside the teacher’s professional judgement. These will be made at the beginning of February of the examination year. The Science Department will pay for these entries only. Unit 1: Biology 1 Unit 1: Chemistry 1 Unit 1: Physics 1 Written paper – 1 hour Written paper – 1 hour Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% 60 marks – 25% 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions Structured & closed questions Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the At Least one question assessing the At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a Quality of Written Communication Quality of Written Communication in a science context in a science context science context Unit 2: Biology 2 Unit 2: Chemistry 2 Unit 2: Physics 2 Written paper – 1 hour Written paper – 1 hour Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% 60 marks – 25% 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions Structured & closed questions Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the At Least one question assessing the At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a Quality of Written Communication Quality of Written Communication in a science context in a science context science context Unit 3: Biology 3 Unit 3: Chemistry 3 Unit 3: Physics 3 Written paper – 1 hour Written paper – 1 hour Written paper – 1 hour 60 marks – 25% 60 marks – 25% 60 marks – 25% Structured & closed questions Structured & closed questions Structured & closed questions At Least one question assessing the At Least one question assessing the At Least one question assessing the Quality of Written Communication in a Quality of Written Communication Quality of Written Communication in a science context in a science context science context Unit 4: Controlled Assessment Unit 4: Controlled Assessment Unit 4: Controlled Assessment Investigative Skills Assignment Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) – Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) – two written assessments (ISA) – two written assessments two written assessments plus one or plus one or two lessons for plus one or two lessons for two lessons for practical work and practical work and data processing practical work and data processing data processing 50 marks – 25% 50 marks – 25% 50 marks – 25% Controlled Assessment: Controlled Assessment: Controlled Assessment:  AQA set the ISA & moderate the  AQA set the ISA & moderate the  AQA set the ISA & moderate marks given marks given the marks given  Students sit the ISA in class time  Students sit the ISA in class time  Students sit the ISA in class time  Teachers mark the tests using  Teachers mark the tests using marking guidance from AQA marking guidance from AQA  Teachers mark the tests using marking guidance from AQA GCSE Separate Sciences can contribute towards the Science component of the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) if students enter any three of the four separate sciences – GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science – and achieve grades A* to C in at least two of them. CIE IGCSE Separate Sciences www.cie.org.uk
IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Chemistry & IGCSE Physics External Examinations: Summer of Year 11 IGCSE Biology ‐ Course Code 0610 Cambridge IGCSE Biology helps students to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, students understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. IGCSE Chemistry – Course Code 0620 IGCSE Chemistry enables students to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Students gain an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, skills which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, students understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. IGCSE Physics – Course Code 0625 The Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus helps students to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. They learn about the basic principles of Physics through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Students also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at A Level, skills which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, students gain an understanding of how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. CIE IGCSE Separate Sciences IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Chemistry & IGCSE Physics Assessment Structure Cambridge IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics students are awarded grades ranging from A* to G. Students expected to achieve grades D, E, F or G, study the Core Curriculum only and are eligible for grades C to G. Students expected to achieve grade C or higher should study the Extended Curriculum, which comprises the Core and Supplement Curriculums; these students are eligible for all grades from A* to G. All candidates must enter for three papers. Tiers of Entry will be decided by the subject teacher and is based on the outcome of regular assessment tasks and mock examinations, alongside the teacher’s professional judgement. These will be made at the beginning of February of the examination year. The Science Department will pay for these entries only. All IGCSE Biology candidates take: Paper 1 – 45 minutes Multiple Choice question paper Weighted at 30% of total available marks Paper 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 3 – 1 hour 15 minutes Core theory paper Extended theory paper Weighted at 50% of total available marks Weighted at 50% of total available marks Paper 4 – completed in class, marked internally and moderated externally by CIE Coursework Weighted at 20% of total available marks All IGCSE Chemistry candidates take: Paper 1 – 45 minutes Multiple Choice question paper Weighted at 30% of total available marks Paper 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes Paper 3 – 1 hour 15 minutes Core theory paper Extended theory paper Weighted at 50% of total available marks Weighted at 50% of total available marks Paper 4 – completed in class, marked internally and moderated externally by CIE Coursework Weighted at 20% of total available marks All IGCSE Physics candidates take: Paper 1 – 45 minutes Multiple Choice question paper Weighted at 30% of total available marks Paper 2 – 1 hour 15 minutes Core theory paper Weighted at 50% of total available marks Paper 6 – 1 hour Alternative to Practical Weighted at 20% of total available marks Paper 3 – 1 hour 15 minutes Extended theory paper Weighted at 50% of total available marks